The realistic fiction middle grade novel The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller (published 2026) is a coming-of-age story for any middle schooler who needs to understand and recognize their changing place in the world. Luna inherits stacks of books. As a result, Luna becomes widely read, well able to become the “book doctor,” who prescribes books to her peers when they have a need. Being the book doctor soon leads in to writing her own zines to help comfort others, which throws her into the spotlight with the popular kids. Now she has to decide who is the most important people in her life as well as what to write in her zines.
The issues that the middle schoolers deal with are intense and real. The book mentions bulimia, m@sturbation, getting first periods, using tampons, death of pets, crushes, boob sizes, and first relationships. It introduces the difference between criticism and bullying. It addresses the conflict between groups of friends. Who will Luna choose to be with: her life-long friend Scott who is not “cool,” or the “cool” crowd?
To me, it felt like these kids were older than twelve. I mentioned the serious issues above. Would 12-year-olds admit these things to each other? Would 12-year-olds have swim class in school? That’s a small point, but it just felt like something older kids would have. Although I know the author wanted her to get her first period, other than that, it felt like all the kids were 14 and up given the discussions and relationships they had with each other. Or was I just that naive in seventh grade to not know the real issues my peers were dealing with?
The writing in The Moon Without Stars is phenomenal. The author manages to capture the middle school students perfectly. Each character’s mannerisms were unique. The narrator’s feelings are well drawn and not just “told.” I felt like I was back in middle school. The author’s writing was definitely the high point of this book for me. I was in awe of her talent.
I love how the author used the 7 in seventh grade as this image of a cliff one is jumping off. This is how the ups-and-downs of Luna’s story felt. Although there were some mature issues that seemed to be far above the middle grade age level, as a whole The Moon without Stars is a fantastic book that I greatly enjoyed reading, mostly for the amazing writing. It just blew me away.
